Govt declares 2026 year of modernist poet Kosovel
Ljubljana, 13 February - The government has officially declared 2026 the Year of Srečko Kosovel, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the renowned poet's passing. The initiative, first proposed by the city of Sežana, received backing from the Writers' Association and has been recognised by the Ministry of Culture as a key national cultural project.
Sežana
Portraits of poet Srečko Kosovel (1904-1926).
Photo: Rosana Rijavec/STA
File photo
Srečko Kosovel (1904-1926) remains one of the most influential figures in Slovenian modernist poetry. Despite his untimely death at the age of 22, he left behind a vast and powerful literary legacy that marked 20th-century Slovenian literature.
His poetry, marked by elements of expressionism and constructivism, reflects a deep social awareness, visionary thinking, and a profound humanistic message, qualities that remain strikingly relevant today. His works have been translated into multiple languages, underscoring his significance beyond Slovenia's borders.
The Culture Ministry said Kosovel Year will serve as a crucial opportunity to further elevate awareness of the poet's enduring impact on both Slovenian and broader European cultural heritage.
A series of programmes dedicated to his literature and artistic legacy will be organised in collaboration with public institutions, cultural funds, and agencies. The initiative will also extend beyond the cultural sphere, engaging ministries responsible for education, research, and tourism.
Culture Minister Asta Vrečko, who last year served as honorary patron at a ceremony in Sežana marking the 120th anniversary of Kosovel's birth, has highlighted the poet's lasting contribution to Slovenian identity.
The town of Sežana has meanwhile designated 18 March, Kosovel's birthday, an official cultural holiday from 2024 onwards.
The Sežana-born Kosovel is widely perceived one of central Europe's major modernist poets. He was extremely prolific, leaving behind an impressive body of work of more than 1000 drafts, among them 500 complete poems.
His works ranged from intimate reflections on nature and existentialism to sharp critiques of contemporary political and social issues. He was deeply influenced by the turbulence of post-World War I Europe, particularly the struggles of the Slovenian people under Italian rule.